New Player Any Suggestions

**usfbrown** · 07-05-2020, 18:35

I can't contain my excitement. My starter set with game mat should arrive tomorrow. I have been watching many youtube videos and printed out a consolidated ruleset from here. Are there any suggestions for a newbie to get started?

**Naharaht** · 07-05-2020, 21:38

I am not quite clear what you are asking for, Bryan. If you have an opponent available, there are some scenarios in the rulebook enclosed in the Starter Set. Also there is a campaign written for the Starter Set available from BoardGame Geek. See https://www.sailsofglory.org/showthr...r-Set-Campaign

If you explore this website, you will find other ideas for scenarios.

If you are alone, there are solo rules in the Files section.

Eventually, when you can afford it, you may wish to expand your fleet, which will expand you options for scenarios.

**Comte de Brueys** · 07-06-2020, 01:05

Get yourself two additional frigates and 3rd rates.

**Dobbs** · 07-06-2020, 04:40

If you use my soloplay system and have any questions just fire me a PM.

**usfbrown** · 07-06-2020, 05:03

Thank you all for the suggestions! I appreciate it!

Sorry I wasn't clear David. I am just looking for any suggestions or tips you wish you had as a beginning.

**Dobbs** · 07-06-2020, 06:45

The 2nd hourglass card gets played behind the ship.

**TexaS** · 07-07-2020, 02:59

Only the full broadside, the middle dot, can rake.

**usfbrown** · 07-07-2020, 05:58

These are great. Thank you!

The hourglass recommendation came in handy last night when I got my first few rounds completed.

Are there tips when you have to sail into the wind in order to circle towards your enemy? If I have to sail into the wind towards my enemy, my enemy is considered upwind?

**Dobbs** · 07-07-2020, 07:42

Originally Posted by usfbrown

These are great. Thank you!

The hourglass recommendation came in handy last night when I got my first few rounds completed.

Are there tips when you have to sail into the wind in order to circle towards your enemy? If I have to sail into the wind towards my enemy, my enemy is considered upwind?

Try to avoid tacking when in range of an upwind enemy. Regarding upwind, picture a line perpendicular to the wind direction, between you and the other ship. Whoever on the side of the line closer to where the wind is coming from is the upwind ship.

**usfbrown** · 07-07-2020, 07:48

Originally Posted by Dobbs

Try to avoid tacking when in range of an upwind enemy. Regarding upwind, picture a line perpendicular to the wind direction, between you and the other ship. Whoever on the side of the line closer to where the wind is coming from is the upwind ship.

Thanks Dobbs! That really clears things up. I'm having to learn the ropes (bad pun intended) of sailing to properly play.

**Diamondback** · 07-07-2020, 13:37

When first practicing, I'd go with a simpler version of "only use center broadside, and range is to anywhere on the other ship base." I also start with "Battle Sail, no sail changes" as a further simplification--right now I'm actually trying to strip things down into a Quick Play ruleset like the WGF Duel Packs, trying to convince Ares that a Sails version of those might be possible.

Start simple with basics, then add the advanced rules as you get more comfortable and confident with the game. Maybe even set up a few sessions where you're not even shooting, just practicing movements, like a race between ships as early practice.

**usfbrown** · 07-07-2020, 13:49

Originally Posted by Diamondback

When first practicing, I'd go with a simpler version of "only use center broadside, and range is to anywhere on the other ship base." I also start with "Battle Sail, no sail changes" as a further simplification--right now I'm actually trying to strip things down into a Quick Play ruleset like the WGF Duel Packs, trying to convince Ares that a Sails version of those might be possible.

Start simple with basics, then add the advanced rules as you get more comfortable and confident with the game. Maybe even set up a few sessions where you're not even shooting, just practicing movements, like a race between ships as early practice.

Thanks for the excellent advice. I think that would be a great idea as there is a lot to learn with the game.

**usfbrown** · 07-08-2020, 05:03

Finished my first game yesterday! Going to start the standard ruleset here soon. I had fun but it was a little hard to manage 4 ships solo. I found that some of the movement cards are so similar, I have trouble differentiating them. I also have to place the cards back into their numeric order after I use them.

**JimBlkHwk** · 07-09-2020, 09:01

Great gaming setup, and nice pictures! Can't wait to see your after action reports. I'd recommend checking out the Campaigns tab for solo play scenarios and others AARs. It's been really helpful to me as I get going, especially as I started right before quarantine hit!

Regards.
James

**usfbrown** · 07-09-2020, 09:10

Originally Posted by JimBlkHwk

Great gaming setup, and nice pictures! Can't wait to see your after action reports. I'd recommend checking out the Campaigns tab for solo play scenarios and others AARs. It's been really helpful to me as I get going, especially as I started right before quarantine hit!

Regards.
James

Thanks James! I build the table a few years ago for board gaming. I actually have a game underneath this as that plywood sheet lifts out to a recessed gaming space.

Great tips! I will check the Campaigns tab and AARs. I feel I have a lot to learn about tactics!

**Diamondback** · 07-09-2020, 23:54

Most important thing is to remember to start simple--"crawl before you try to walk, walk before you try to run." I don't recall if anybody's posted any, but I think a few guys have mentioned having cheat-sheet checklists of the various things to keep track of every turn.

One other thing: I suggest you make copies or scans of the logs, then laminate the printed copies and use a grease pencil to just write damage, special damage and used Captain/Crew abilities right on the log, less fighting with chits that way and less to worry about having jostled when Jabba-the-Gamer shows up to bump your table or a klutz like me trips and falls onto it. :)

**Bligh** · 07-10-2020, 04:50

Originally Posted by usfbrown

I build the table a few years ago for board gaming. I actually have a game underneath this as that plywood sheet lifts out to a recessed gaming space.

Great tips! I will check the Campaigns tab and AARs. I feel I have a lot to learn about tactics!

That has also given me an idea for extending my new games table without needing to move it. I just need an extra 300 mm to take my 600mm games board squares side by side.
Rob.

**usfbrown** · 07-10-2020, 06:34

Originally Posted by Diamondback

Most important thing is to remember to start simple--"crawl before you try to walk, walk before you try to run." I don't recall if anybody's posted any, but I think a few guys have mentioned having cheat-sheet checklists of the various things to keep track of every turn.

One other thing: I suggest you make copies or scans of the logs, then laminate the printed copies and use a grease pencil to just write damage, special damage and used Captain/Crew abilities right on the log, less fighting with chits that way and less to worry about having jostled when Jabba-the-Gamer shows up to bump your table or a klutz like me trips and falls onto it. :)

Jabba the gamer!

Great ideas! I found a fillable PDF here that I can laminate.

Originally Posted by Bligh

That has also given me an idea for extending my new games table without needing to move it. I just need an extra 300 mm to take my 600mm games board squares side by side.
Rob.

Keep us posted on it! I've seen people make table toppers for gaming. I followed the thread/instructions on BGG's build a gaming table for $150. Although it did cost me more than that.
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/147...ming-table-150

**Bligh** · 07-10-2020, 07:00

Already having my games room and table I should be able to do the add on without much bother.
Rob.

**usfbrown** · 07-10-2020, 15:46

Played another game with the Standard Rules. This ruleset really makes the game shine. The problem is I'm a terrible navigator! I went off the board with two ships and crashed multiple times.

I also played some rules wrong but am learning from it: I drew yellow chits for the collision instead of orange and I wasn't moving properly with which ship goes first, etc.

Oh well. Brits won again on the intro scenario. Time to add some more rules and maybe a new scenario.

**Diamondback** · 07-10-2020, 15:53

Another "training" suggestion, consider a "Ship vs Shore Battery" scenario. That way you only have to keep track of one ship's movements while getting some gunnery practice.

**usfbrown** · 07-10-2020, 15:54

Originally Posted by Diamondback

Another "training" suggestion, consider a "Ship vs Shore Battery" scenario. That way you only have to keep track of one ship's movements while getting some gunnery practice.

Good idea! I think that can be my next scenario as I obviously need more training in how to anticipate movement. Thank you.

**usfbrown** · 07-10-2020, 16:06

FYI I found this laser to be a very helpful tool for all gauging wind category and cannot arcs. It's a little dim but worth the price.

https://www.harborfreight.com/laser-marker-93242.html

**JimBlkHwk** · 07-10-2020, 16:18

Originally Posted by usfbrown

Played another game with the Standard Rules. This ruleset really makes the game shine. The problem is I'm a terrible navigator! I went off the board with two ships and crashed multiple times.

This is something I am still adjusting too. Ships always seem to.move further than I expect, and thus things happen more quickly than I suspect. So when planning maneuvers and tactics,I am always a little bit behind. Need to focus on not being so fancy and taking what I can get!

Regards,
James

**usfbrown** · 07-10-2020, 16:23

Originally Posted by JimBlkHwk

This is something I am still adjusting too. Ships always seem to.move further than I expect, and thus things happen more quickly than I suspect. So when planning maneuvers and tactics,I am always a little bit behind. Need to focus on not being so fancy and taking what I can get!

Regards,
James

I'm with you there. I'm hoping a few more games and I'll get more of a feel for the ships move.

**Bligh** · 07-11-2020, 00:54

Originally Posted by usfbrown

FYI I found this laser to be a very helpful tool for all gauging wind category and cannot arcs. It's a little dim but worth the price.

https://www.harborfreight.com/laser-marker-93242.html

We have been using the laser for years. As you say they are very good for showing angles of fire. The ones we use are capable of projecting the light in both directions from the source, so that you can get the beam to spread from being half way between your two objectives and some way above it. They are not easy to find but a chap who does the Hammerhead show over here sells a few each time he comes. If you are there early enough you can pick one up. They may be on sale elsewhere, but I have never come across them.
Rob.

**usfbrown** · 07-11-2020, 10:36

Originally Posted by Bligh

We have been using the laser for years. As you say they are very good for showing angles of fire. The ones we use are capable of projecting the light in both directions from the source, so that you can get the beam to spread from being half way between your two objectives and some way above it. They are not easy to find but a chap who does the Hammerhead show over here sells a few each time he comes. If you are there early enough you can pick one up. They may be on sale elsewhere, but I have never come across them.
Rob.

That's how this laser works as well. It's like the ones you use for a circular saw in that it projects a line. I did see Army Painter has one that looks like it does both a point and a like. But to get it shipped to me its about three times the price of this cheap harbor freight one. It sure does help with this game tho!

**Dobbs** · 07-11-2020, 11:36

Hooray for Harbor Freight! I can barely wait to go to our local store now (still an hour away).

**usfbrown** · 07-11-2020, 12:01

Originally Posted by Dobbs

Hooray for Harbor Freight! I can barely wait to go to our local store now (still an hour away).

That's a little ways off! It's definitely a good store for those tool you don't need to be high quality. They also have some really good storage boxes for cheap compared to the big box stores.

**Bligh** · 07-11-2020, 13:29

Originally Posted by usfbrown

That's how this laser works as well. It's like the ones you use for a circular saw in that it projects a line. I did see Army Painter has one that looks like it does both a point and a like. But to get it shipped to me its about three times the price of this cheap harbor freight one. It sure does help with this game tho!

Army Painter are the ones that I use Bryan.
Rob.

**usfbrown** · 07-11-2020, 13:57

Originally Posted by Bligh

Army Painter are the ones that I use Bryan.
Rob.

That is a nice one. I wish I could get it cheaper here but last I checked it was $30.

**Bligh** · 07-11-2020, 15:39

£6 for mine! Rob.

**usfbrown** · 07-11-2020, 19:39

Originally Posted by Bligh

£6 for mine! Rob.

That's a steal. I just checked and it's $18 shipped from Army Painter web site. Maybe when mine $6 cheap one breaks.

**Dobbs** · 07-14-2020, 18:27

I have acquired a Harbor Freight laser and here's a comparison of laser light. Bear in mind that the laser in the picture is not the one being demonstrated.

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Suzanne pointed out that the Harbor Freight one kind of looks like a telescope, so I think I'll dab some brass on it for effect.

All in all, it seems like a pretty decent purchase. The body is metal. The batteries that came with it were shot, but the store gave me 20% off because of it. The base has magnets in it, so beware, it's attractive

**usfbrown** · 07-14-2020, 19:27

Thanks for the comparison Dobbs. Army Painter looks more precise. I chucked the base of my harbor freight laser. It does the job well enough for me. Which do you prefer?

**Bligh** · 07-15-2020, 01:19

Originally Posted by Dobbs

I have acquired a Harbor Freight laser and here's a comparison of laser light. Bear in mind that the laser in the picture is not the one being demonstrated.

Thanks for the comparison Dobbs.
I am very interested in that Harbour Freight one, because of the stand.
When using my laser in solo games for the Anchorage it id often quite difficult to get the Laser in position with one hand and activate the camera with the other when marking the fire from one ship to the other, especially if trying to get a rakeing line and a good angle of photo without getting your hand and laser in the shot, plus maintaining a crisp line just from the ship which is firing and not an overlapping line is almost impossible to achieve.
With that gismo I would elininate most of the problems in one go.
How much did you have to stump up for it?

Rob.

**usfbrown** · 07-15-2020, 04:16

I was able to get mine for $6.

**Bligh** · 07-15-2020, 08:47

Ah! Dobbs went to the same place as you Bryan. I did not connect the name. Ihave never come across Harbour Freight, and with his on a stand it did not make your one spring to mind. So the price with stand equates with what I paid for mine interesting. I feel a little lathe project coming on.
Rob.